"We aspire to build a smarter future"
Empowering Innovation
based in France
based in Austin, TX
Liberty Finances is a holding company whose main mission is to support innovative projects in the European and American technology ecosystems.
Its history is closely linked to that of its owner and we warmly invite you to discover it.
Liberty Finances is headquartered in France, with a subsidiary in the United States based in Austin, TX, in the heart of the new Silicon Valley.
Activities
Investment in innovative technology companies
By adopting a holistic approach, it is possible to use technology to generate a substantial positive impact on society and the economy.
Mentoring
Companies taking part in our programs benefit from the support of mentors who advise and guide them through to implementation.
Expertise and interest
Industry, Retail, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation in healthcare.
Company portfolio
AW / INNOVATE
Digital services company founded in 1999, we support major brands in creating value through their digital assets. We shape unique and captivating digital experiences, capitalizing on technological excellence and a proven methodological efficiency. We design and implement robust high-performance digital projects, propelling business agility, amplifying its efficiency and fostering its expansion.
Hikari Blue Inc.
Hikari Blue LLC (Texas, USA) founded in 2016, is a strategic and creative digital consultancy powered by the synergy between humans and AI. We collaborate with the world's most ambitious brands to invent and implement solutions that deliver high-impact results.
The Tools Company
In the competitive world of tools, The Tools Company has forged a reputation for itself among professionals and discerning amateurs. Its marketplace has become the sanctuary for those in search of premium tools and cutting-edge accessories. Their catalog of specialized brands with thousands of references rigorously selected, testifies to their commitment to quality and search of customer satisfaction.
SP Tools France
Australia's market leader in hand tools, SP Tools enjoys worldwide recognition, being represented in over 30 countries with global sales in excess of $100 million. Liberty Finances is particularly proud to be the exclusive distributor of SP Tools in France with sptoolsfrance.com.
Groupe Cyllene
Founded in 1986, Cyllene covers all the IT infrastructure and outsourcing needs for corporate and SME firms. The Group handles a differentiating competitive position through its expertise in the deployment and management of IaaS and PaaS solutions, operated from its sovereign Private Cloud consisting of 3 datacenters, with ongoing on-premise support. It also accordingly delivers expertises in management, exploit and enhancement of data.
TONIC Distribution
TONIC Distribution has over 20 years' experience in the sale of professional tools, distributing brands such as Milwaukee, Force, SP Tools, Sonic, Omega and Tonic.
RDS
RDS is a medical device company aiming to bring to market the first miniaturized, connected medical solution for real-time monitoring of several key cardiac and respiratory parameters. The Franco-American team is based in Strasbourg (France) and Palo Alto (California, USA).
United4 AI
United4.AI (Texas,USA) specializes in the design and customization of artificial intelligence for business. Based in the USA and Europe, our interdisciplinary team has diverse experience in machine learning, large-scale language models, business processes, custom product design and change management.
Starfox Analytics
Starfox relies on experts who are passionate about Data Marketing and Web Analytics. We support our customers on topics such as Data Layer implementation, GA4 migration, cookies & RGPD compliance, GTM server-side and Facebook conversion API. Rigor, availability and proactivity are the company's fundamental qualities.
Griffin Global LLC
We invest in Austin (Texas,USA) in high-potential real estate, with a focus on eco-responsible real estate. Our aim is to minimize the energy impact of buildings, whether they are being renovated or in operation.Our aim is to minimize the energy impact of buildings, whether they are being renovated or in operation.
F.OHR
Why
Because we transcend the conventional wisdom that capital investment is all about money.
For us, the heart of our business lies in relationships and human values.
Where others focus on transactions, we’re committed to building lasting relationships, fueled by curiosity, strategic thinking, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of those we work with.
Since I started in the digital industry in 1999, I have witnessed its profound impact on the global economy. This experience, enriched by several entrepreneurial adventures, has forged me into a seasoned entrepreneur and far-sighted investor. I’ve had the privilege of founding and financing several companies, supported by an exceptional team to whom I owe an immense debt of gratitude.
Collaboration is at the heart of our philosophy.
Together, we support the most innovative companies, making a significant contribution to the advancement of the digital age.
With our team of talented consultants, we guide companies and their leaders, implementing a strategic vision for their digital transformation and positioning them on the path to growth.We are aware of the challenges posed by technological evolution, where boldness can be tempered by hesitation or anxiety.
That’s why we make it a point of honor to stimulate innovation in the fields of AI and Data, genuine levers for the economic and entrepreneurial transformation of our time.
At Liberty Finances, we don’t just invest in companies; we invest in visions, ambitions, and above all, teams.
Finally, we are at the dawn of a new digital era and major societal change. Our mission is to shape a future aligned with our ethical values, where the principles of liberal democracy and the structures that flow from them promote prosperity and fairness for all.
Franck Ohrel
The timeline
The beginning
1999
Creation of digital strategy consulting company ACT WEB Sas.
One of the first digital agencies in France.
The recognition of our skills.
2003
Actweb SAS supports EPS Télésurveillance, a subsidiary of the CM / CIC banking group (ranked 29th worldwide, 4th largest French bank), in the development and deployment of its entire digital offering.
EPS (Homiris) quadrupled its subscriber base between 2003 and 2009, and is now France’s no. 1 in residential remote surveillance.
From learning to growth.
2009
The human-scale intermediate agency has evolved into a major player in digital, mobile and eBusiness in France, with offices in Strasbourg, Paris and La Baule.
We’ve had the privilege of working with such eminent international clients as Chanel, Air France, Orange, CIC, Crédit Mutuel, Blancpain, Breguet, the Council of Europe and Human Rights. They have chosen to entrust the digital transformation of their brands to our agency, winning numerous awards that attest to the effectiveness of our strategies, tools and creativity. We would like to express our deep gratitude for their confidence in us.
Merger and acquisition of new skills.
2011
On the advice of the Edmond de Rothschild bank, Actweb initiated a collaboration with the CA Com group, which is recognized as France’s leading independent company specializing in communications for the retail sector.
As part of this strategic alliance, Actweb transferred 70% of its shares and joined in the creation of a company that now has over 350 employees.
A world, powered by AI?
2016
Passion, for one of the most impressive stories of our time… the breakthrough in artificial intelligence.
A period of strategic thinking adapted to our own development.
2018
After a period of eight years, we made a strategic decision to regain our independence by buying back all of the company’s shares, thus creating AW/Innovate.
AW/Innovate in a few words :
Be you, be more, beyond
Exploring new horizons and cultivate a passion.
2021
Creation of The Tools Company
The Tools Company is born of a deep reflection on the relationship between man and tool. The company is distinguished by its commitment to an active policy of research and development.
Our aim is to provide you with a range of high-performance tools and landscaping solutions, designed to enrich your passions – whether automotive, cycling, gardening or home improvement. We democratize access to professional-quality equipment, ensuring optimal results for all. Our commitment is to offer the most innovative solutions on the market, turning every project into a resounding success.
Take the opportunity and develop.
2021
Expansion and Strategic Partnership with SPTools (S2 2021)
In 2021, our commitment and dedication to The Tools Company has paid off. We have been approached by SPTools, showing recognition for our hard work.
Exclusive partnership: SPTools has entrusted us with the exclusive distribution of their products in France for a period of 8 years. This collaboration also extends to digital distribution across Europe, including major platforms such as Amazon and Ebay…
We welcome this new adventure with enthusiasm and are determined to devote all our efforts to it. The distribution of SPTools, with over 4500 references, will enrich our offer in key sectors such as industry, automotive and crafts, benefiting professionals and enthusiasts alike. This partnership illustrates our ability to seize strategic opportunities and develop our presence in both local and European markets. We are delighted to continue on this path of growth and innovation.
Continue to evolve and acquire new knowledge.
2022
AW/Innovate has been sold to the Cyllene group. This decision is the result of the convergence between the strategic vision of the founders of the Cyllene group and that of our teams, in line with the vision of the future needed to offer the best service to our customers.
As a result, and in line with our missions, Liberty Finances has entered into a financial partnership with Cyllene, forming an entity with over 400 employees, sales of 2024 75M€, 4 HDS-certified sovereign Datacenters.
Connecting talents, accelerating together.
2023
Tonic Distribution acquires The Tools Company
In 2023, Tonic Distribution took a major strategic step by acquiring The Tools Company. This decision is designed to enrich its product range and ensure continuity of excellence, backed by over 20 years’ experience in the sale of professional tools.
With this acquisition, Tonic Distribution consolidates its market position by adding prestigious brands such as Milwaukee, Force, Sonic, Omega and now SPTools to its portfolio. This expansion guarantees a more complete and diversified offering for our customers.
Liberty Finances’ acquisition of a stake in Tonic Distribution reflects our confidence in Tonic’s exponential growth potential. This strategic investment is in line with our long-term vision of supporting and developing promising companies.
For a world, powered by AI.
2023
Liberty Finances has invested in Austin TX-based United4 AI, the adoption of artificial intelligence is shaping up as a true strategic revolution. Indeed, an overwhelming majority of executives recognize that the achievement of their growth objectives is conditional on the global integration of AI. While the initial use of AI in specific areas is promising, it’s its enterprise-wide deployment that really transforms potential into outstanding results.
How to get there.
Our approach, uniquely combining AI, analytics, automation and the data that supports them, aims to maximize the potential of every employee and optimize processes. With the support of our global network of experts, United4 AI guides you to the scalable solutions and services best suited to your business, accelerating the achievement of your strategic objectives. We also work to transform organizational culture, empowering your teams to fully leverage the potential of data and AI.
Connected healthcare: a new horizon for outpatient surgery.
2023
Investment in RDS
Liberty Finances in Freshbis has acquired a stake in RDS, marking a strong commitment to innovation in connected healthcare.
The RDS project, initiated in Palo Alto, California, by Franco-American serial-entrepreneur Sam Eletr, embodies the fusion of Silicon Valley innovation and European excellence.
At the heart of this adventure is MultiSense®, a revolutionary device. Despite its small size, it is equipped with advanced technology to monitor the vital parameters of patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia, offering real-time monitoring via smartphone.
The ambition of RDS is to transform the post-operative experience, enabling patients to return home quickly and safely, under medical supervision comparable to that of a hospital, but at a distance.
The aim of this innovation is to reduce the length of hospital stays while maintaining the same quality of medical follow-up, for greater peace of mind for patients and their families.
Starfox Analytics: Expertise in Web Analytics.
2024
Investment in Starfox Analytics
With a commitment to 100% of its business in Web Analytics. From the outset, Starfox has demonstrated a deep commitment to innovation by allocating 20% of its team’s time to technology watch and R&D. This investment in knowledge and innovation is a central pillar of its growth strategy. This investment in knowledge and innovation is a central pillar of its growth strategy.
Liberty Finances’ investment in Starfox Analytics is part of a strategic vision to support innovative companies at the forefront of technology and data analysis, and marks a turning point that promises not only to propel Starfox to new heights, but also to strengthen the technology and innovation ecosystem supported by Liberty Finances.
We invest in the individual behind the idea, not just in the idea itself.
YOU?
You are at the heart of our concerns.
With us, your personality and vision count as much as your project. We believe in the importance of who you are, not just what you do.
That’s why we invite you to get in touch with us.